Key facts at a glance
- ✓Get a T-money card at any convenience store (2,500 KRW) for subway, buses, and taxis
- ✓Seoul subway has 19 lines, runs 5:30 AM to midnight, with English signs everywhere
- ✓Use Naver Map or Kakao Map instead of Google Maps for accurate directions
- ✓KTX takes you from Seoul to Busan in just 2.5 hours
- ✓Kakao T is the go-to taxi app, works like Uber
Overview
South Korea has one of the most efficient, affordable, and well-connected public transportation systems in the world. Seoul alone moves over 7 million passengers daily through its subway system. Nearly every destination in the country is reachable by public transit, and most signage includes English translations.
The single most important thing you can do is pick up a T-money card. Available at any convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) for 2,500 KRW, this rechargeable transit card works on subways, buses, and even taxis across the entire country. You can also load T-money onto your Apple Wallet or Samsung Pay if your phone supports it.
Seoul subway system
The Seoul Metropolitan Subway is the backbone of the city. With 19 lines, over 700 stations, and color-coded maps in both Korean and English, it is the easiest way to get around. Stations are numbered (e.g., Line 2, Station 220 for Gangnam), making navigation straightforward even without reading Korean.
Subway essentials
The base fare of 1,550 KRW covers up to 10 km. After that, an additional 100 KRW is charged per 5 km. Single-trip tickets cost 1,500 KRW (includes a 500 KRW refundable deposit). Trains come every 2-3 minutes during rush hour and every 5-6 minutes at other times.
Tip: The last trains depart around 11:30 PM to midnight depending on the line. Check the exact time for your line using Naver Map or the Subway Korea app. Missing the last train means taking a taxi or waiting until 5:30 AM.
Buses
Seoul's bus system is extensive and reaches areas the subway does not. Buses are color-coded by route type, making them easy to identify even if you cannot read the route number.
| Color | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | Trunk | Long-distance routes across the city, connecting major areas |
| Green | Branch | Short feeder routes connecting neighborhoods to subway stations |
| Red | Express | Express routes from suburbs to central Seoul, fewer stops |
| Yellow | Circular | Short loop routes within central neighborhoods |
Bus fare is 1,500 KRW with T-money (1,900 KRW for express red buses). If you transfer between bus and subway within 30 minutes, the transfer is free. Tap your T-money card when boarding and again when exiting to get the transfer discount.
KTX high-speed rail
The KTX (Korea Train Express) is South Korea's high-speed rail network, reaching speeds up to 305 km/h. It connects Seoul to major cities across the country and is the fastest way to travel between cities.
| Route | Duration | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul to Busan | 2 hr 30 min | ~59,800 KRW |
| Seoul to Daejeon | 50 min | ~23,700 KRW |
| Seoul to Daegu | 1 hr 40 min | ~43,500 KRW |
| Seoul to Gwangju | 1 hr 50 min | ~47,600 KRW |
| Seoul to Gangneung | 1 hr 50 min | ~27,600 KRW |
Book tickets through the Korail app (available in English) or the Korail website (letskorail.com). Tickets can also be purchased at station kiosks. Book early for weekends and holidays, as popular routes sell out quickly.
Tip: The Korea Rail Pass (KR Pass) is available exclusively for foreign tourists. It offers unlimited KTX rides for 1, 3, or 5 days starting at around 121,000 KRW. If you plan to visit multiple cities, it can save you significant money.
Taxis
Taxis in Korea are affordable, plentiful, and metered. The easiest way to hail one is through the Kakao T app, which works like Uber. You can enter your destination in English, see the estimated fare, and pay through the app.
| Type | Color | Base Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | Orange | ~4,800 KRW | Most common, flag down or use Kakao T |
| Deluxe (Mobeom) | Black | ~7,000 KRW | Larger vehicles, more experienced drivers |
| Jumbo | Silver | ~7,000 KRW | Vans for groups or extra luggage |
A late-night surcharge of 20-40% applies between midnight and 4 AM. Taxis accept T-money cards, credit cards, and cash. Most drivers do not speak English, so having your destination in Korean text (from Kakao Map or Naver Map) is very helpful.
Airport transfers (Incheon to Seoul)
Incheon International Airport (ICN) is about 60 km west of central Seoul. There are several ways to get into the city, each with different trade-offs between cost, speed, and convenience.
| Option | Price | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| AREX (Express) | 11,000 KRW | 43 min | Direct to Seoul Station, fastest |
| AREX (All-stop) | 4,750 KRW | 66 min | Budget option, connects to subway |
| Airport Limousine Bus | ~18,000 KRW | 60-90 min | Door-to-door to major hotels and areas |
| Taxi | 70,000-100,000 KRW | 60-80 min | Late arrivals, groups splitting the fare |
The AREX (Airport Railroad Express) is the most popular choice. The express train runs non-stop to Seoul Station in 43 minutes. The all-stop train is cheaper and connects directly to the Seoul subway system at multiple stations. Airport limousine buses run routes to major neighborhoods like Gangnam, Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Jamsil. Buy tickets at the counters outside the arrivals hall.
Intercity buses
Intercity express buses are a cheaper alternative to the KTX and cover routes that trains do not reach. They are comfortable, punctual, and connect virtually every city and town in South Korea.
- •Seoul to Busan: ~4-5 hours, around 23,000-34,000 KRW depending on class
- •Booking: Use the Bustago app or Kobus website (available in English)
- •Types: Ilban (standard), Udeung (premium with wider seats), and Express
- •Major terminals in Seoul: Express Bus Terminal (Gangnam), Dong Seoul (East), Nambu Terminal (South)
Intercity buses are especially useful for reaching smaller cities, national parks, and coastal towns that the KTX does not serve directly. Most buses have USB charging ports and free Wi-Fi.
Bicycle rental (Ttareungi)
Seoul Bike, known locally as Ttareungi (also written as Ddareungi), is Seoul's public bicycle sharing system. With over 40,000 bikes and 2,800 docking stations across the city, it is an excellent way to explore parks and riverside paths.
How to use Ttareungi
The Han River bike paths are a highlight. You can ride along the river from east to west Seoul, stopping at parks and convenience stores along the way. Electric bikes (e-bikes) are also available at some stations for a slightly higher price.
Tips and etiquette
Priority seats are sacred
The designated seats at each end of the subway car are for elderly, disabled, and pregnant passengers. Do not sit in them, even if the car is empty. Locals take this very seriously.
No eating on the subway
Eating and drinking (other than water) is not allowed on Seoul subway trains. It is also considered rude. Save your snacks for the platform or outside the station.
Let people exit first
Wait on either side of the doors and let passengers exit before boarding. Markings on the platform floor indicate where to stand and where to leave space for exiting passengers.
Stand on the right, walk on the left
On escalators, stand on the right side and keep the left side clear for people walking. This applies in subway stations and most public buildings.
Keep your phone on silent
Taking phone calls on the subway is considered rude. Most Koreans text or use headphones. Keep your ringtone on silent mode.
Free Wi-Fi is everywhere
All subway stations and most buses have free Wi-Fi. Look for networks like 'Seoul Free WiFi' or the carrier-specific hotspots. Most KTX trains also offer free Wi-Fi.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy a T-money card?
Is Uber available in South Korea?
Can I use Google Maps in Korea?
How late does public transit run?
Do I need an international driving license?
How do I get to Jeju Island?
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